Details
Day One – The Isle of Mull
You start with a memorable ferry ride to Mull, from Oban, around two and a half hours from Glasgow. Stay on deck to enjoy the views of castles, lighthouses, and maybe even look for your first eagle. We have a choice of family run hotels, in the peaceful village of Dervaig or in the colourful main island village of Tobermory.
Day Two
Your first wildlife experience is a day’s whale-watch. Minke whales and sharks, along with porpoise and dolphins, are regularly seen off Mull between April and September; a truly unforgettable thrill. The whale watch excursion is part of an active research programme contributing directly to marine conservation and organised with one of the most experienced companies in the UK.
Day Three
On today’s wildlife safari your friendly and knowledgeable local guides Pam and Arthur know exactly where to go to find the best places to spot golden and white-tailed sea eagles, falcons, otters, seals and other indigenous island wildlife.
Day Four – Skye
Today you leave Mull by a different route and cross through the area known as the “Rough Bounds” (Na Garbh Chriochan) following the coastal road through Ardnamurchan and Moidart, and on to the ferry port at Mallaig. This was once Europe’s busiest herring port and is still a fishing centre. Here you will catch another ferry to Skye. You will spend just one night on Skye, in one of our hand-picked small hotels, in a stunning coastal locations.
Day Five – North Uist
Cross by the morning or early afternoon ferry to North Uist and make your way to your hotel just outside Lochmaddy. This former sporting lodge has been transformed into a small and comfortable privately run hotel. In a superb elevated location, this is a popular retreat for all outdoor enthusiasts, be they bird watchers, anglers or walkers. From the bedroom windows there are stunning views, with a stone circle in the foreground then over a sea loch to Ben Eaval and the Minch beyond. There are several marked walking paths from the hotel and the grounds are home to wild deer. This is also a popular island restaurant, with cosy lounge bar and sitting room with peat fires. An ideal island retreat.
Day Six
Today you will join your local wildlife guide. Though widely travelled, he is passionate about the wilds of Scotland and as well as birds, he is also an expert on otters, moths and butterflies, as well as wild flowers. No two days are the same; Steve will work with your own preferences and design a day which will maximise your sightings and also increase your knowledge of the natural history of the Outer Hebrides.
Day Seven
Day at leisure to enjoy the beaches and historical sites of the islands, and perhaps put into practice your new wildlife-spotting skills.
Day Eight
Your journey home starts returning to Skye by ferry, then to the mainland by the Skye bridge.
Pricing
£1170 per person for April and £1225 per person for May to September.
Price includes seven nights B&B in a double or twin room ensuite in small family-run hotels, a full day guided wildlife safari on Mull, a full day whale watch trip from Mull, and a full day with our local wildlife guide on the Uists. The price also includes ferry crossings for car and passengers to/from Mull, to Skye and to/from North Uist. Return from Skye by the bridge.
To upgrade to a stay in the romantic Glengorm Castle far from the cares of the world, with nooks and crannies and turrets and sweeping sea views, please add £20 per person per night.
Do note that this holiday is not suitable for children under 8. For children aged 8-11 we will substitute a four hour marine wildlife boat trip for the whale-watch. Child prices start from £465.
Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday. Included will be some information on the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust to help you learn more about their work in conserving whales, dolphins and porpoises in Western Scotland, along with how you can help their efforts with their “Whale Track” app and by visiting their discovery centre.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
